Arts in Education opportunities

When the Arts Council was founded in 1976, one of the main focuses was on providing an artist in residence program for the schools in our area. Artists provided in-class training in everything from mural painting, photography and dance to pottery. These programs lasted weeks or months, with the artists traveling to several locations.
Over the years, as our performance offerings have evolved from one-person soliloquies and children’s theater events held at the library to the professional productions offered at the beautiful 833-seat Performing Arts Center, the artist in residence program has also evolved into what is now known as “Outreach – Arts in Education.” At least twice per season, we invite area schools and homeschool members to attend performer workshops with professional musicians, dancers and even magicians. When Bill Blagg (The Magic of Bill Blagg) presented “The Science of Magic,” The Arts Council welcomed nearly 4,000 students over three days. Students came away with a whole new appreciation of science. Not all outreaches receive this much support; but we, and Bill Blagg, were definitely impressed with the support of the science teachers! Transportation is provided for all students and their chaperones by the Arts Council. There is no charge for students to partake in these opportunities.
Our mission statement promotes “enjoyment and appreciation of a variety of performing art forms among area residents of all ages.” Outreaches are available to all interested adults in addition to students. You must register with our office (715-424-2787) prior to the event. Have you always wanted to write music? Learn about “making it” in show business? Or any of the other opportunities that our outreaches offer? This is your chance to join with those school districts who are invited for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This season, Emmy Award winner Shaun Johnson and his Big Band are offering their talents and expertise on Tuesday, Nov. 10, giving students a real-world look at what it takes to build a career in music. They will share tips about performing, stage presence, rehearsing, songwriting, touring, recording and the business of music. Students are able to ask questions, try new skills and leave with practical tools and inspiration. This not only gives them inspiration toward dreams of a future in music, but also helps them become more confident musicians in their school bands or their private music lessons.
In addition to Shaun and his band meeting with students in the afternoon, his team has been working with members of Rapids School of Performing Arts’ competition team to join them on stage for a number during the evening performance of “The Book of Bublé.”

On Jan. 28, recent Grand Ole Opry inductee Suzy Bogguss will be presenting an outreach titled “Singing Is Fun” for elementary students. They will be learning about melody, harmony, rhythm and rounds.
“I started way back in grade school, and I’ve never found anything that connects me with people like lifting voices together in song,” Ms. Bogguss said.
Student tickets are available for $15 for all performances, and many of our outreaches include student participation on stage with the performers. Are your children or grandchildren participating in these events? Be sure to ask them how they have enjoyed them, or better yet — join them at an afternoon outreach prior to attending the evening performance!
Appreciation of the arts starts at a young age. The Arts Council is thrilled to be able to offer “Outreach - Arts in Education” to a dozen Central Wisconsin school districts and the homeschool association. For information on how you can become involved, please contact Sally Kissner at 715-421-4552.